Los Angeles Weekend Events: November 12-14

It’s hard to believe that the holiday season is nearly here. Get in the mood for winter-y fun at the Chronicles of Narnia Ice Palace Grand Opening or get the kids some hands-on time at the Fowler Museum. Families who love to spin a good tale will get a kick out the L.A. Storytelling Festival; alternatively, just sit back and take in a performance of Annie at Long Beach or The Frog Prince in Santa Monica. Kid-sized flea markets, family food time, and more make this weekend worth the hassle; if you’re ready for a serious hoedown, head to Death Valley for the 49ers’ Encampment. This five-day celebration includes western music, arts and crafts shows, horseshoe tournaments, a pioneer costume contest, wagon trains and so much more. Check the website for more information on the scheduled events.

Chronicles of Narnia Ice Palace Grand Opening at Beverly Center
Sneak a peek at the magical kingdom of Narnia with this amazing 30-foot winter palace featuring ice-like arches and globes, magical vignettes, and falling snow. Guests can walk through the structure where life-like figures reenact scenes from The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader. This grand opening will be hosted by actors such as Georgie Henley (Lucy Pevensie) and Will Poulter (Eustace Clarence Scrubb); children in attendance will be given LED wands to wave as the opening is live-streamed across the nation. Fri., 4 p.m., Los Angeles, Free. Event Details.

Public Star Party
Turn the kid’s gazes to the sky during this educational outing at the Griffith Observatory. Educators are on hand to demonstrate telescopes and point out constellations and other notable starry features. Bring lunch or a snack and cap off the experience with a short hike on one of the nearby paths; make sure to stop by Travel Town and the Merry-Go-Round. Sat., 2 p.m. to 9:45 p.m., Los Angeles, Free. Event Details.

Kids in the Courtyard: Textiles for the Table
Get to crafting for the holiday season by making holiday runners for tables at UCLA’s Fowler Museum. Kids can be inspired by the museum’s featured Weavers’ Stories from Island Southeast Asia and then take their own turn creating a covering for the upcoming Thanksgiving feast. Sun., 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Westwood, Free. Event Details.

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L.A. Storytelling Festival
Young or old, classic or shiny new, story telling is an art form and a wonderful way to keep the imagination alive. Come on out for a family program featuring storytelling, craft projects, snack time and all the information needed for parents to get their own creative juices flowing. Sat., 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Culver City, Free. Event Details.

Los Angeles Children Theater presentsThe Frog PrinceThe Black Box Theater introduces this singing and dancing rendition of the classic fairy tale featuring a princess, a prince, and, of course, an evil witch. Spend the afternoon watching magic spells fly back and forth, a prince and princess fall in love, and a loving King and his hilarious jester. Sat. and Sun., 1 p.m., Santa Monica, $10. Event Details.

Art Odyssey at the Getty Villa
Go on an artistic journey and make your own masterpiece. This short 45-minute class has a resident teacher lead a small group through a few select pieces and then help individuals create their own. Families can work together; the event ss best for children ages 5 and up. Sat. and Sun., 2 p.m., Santa Monica, Free. Event Details.

Kidspace Flea Market
Time to clean out the toy box? Kidspace Children’s Museum hosts this fantastic flea market geared just for kids. Children can shop, sell or barter for trinkets, toys and other treasure at this market run entirely by kids. Sell gently used toys, homemade items or even show off a talent. Sat., 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Pasadena, Registration $10, includes admission for 2. Event Details.

Shark Lagoon Nights
Get up close and personal with the most feared creature of the deep at the Aquarium of the Pacific. Open until 9 p.m. on select Friday nights, guests get the chance to touch bamboo sharks, spot sand tigers and more. Refreshments served. Fri. 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Long Beach, Free. Event Details.

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